People For the American Way

Rap Activist Wins $1,000 Cash in Contest to Get Big Money Out of Politics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2015

Contact: Layne Amerikaner or Alec Saslow at People For the American Way

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 202-467-4999

Original Song “Freedom Ain’t Free” Is Fourth Weekly Prize Winner in Democracy For All Video Challenge

Today Say No to Big Money and People For the American Way announced the fourth of 14 weekly winners in a new contest tapping into the creative potential of Americans of all political stripes through short videos in support of a constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics.

This week’s winner of the $64,000 Democracy For All Video Challenge is an original rap titled “Freedom Ain’t Free” by Maurice "Macarone" Bradford, a Los Angeles-based activist who uses rap to communicate on hot-button political issues. The rap highlights the problems of a political system hijacked by business interests that leaves everyday Americans disenfranchised. Amidst fast paced rhymes, Bradford says: “Politics is business…Rich get their wish list; poor don’t get no Christmas; middle class is dismissed; I guess you must’ve missed this.”

Click here to see “Freedom Ain’t Free:” http://www.democracyforall.com/entries/freedom-aint-free-by-macarone/

Previous contest winners include videos tying a lack of campaign finance regulations to student loan debt and the undue political influence of the chemical industry.

From its August launch through December 2, contest entrants can submit a 30-90 second video that includes a call-to-action in support of the Democracy For All Amendment for a chance to win thousands of dollars in prize money, including a $25,000 grand prize. Supporters of an amendment to fix the nation’s campaign finance system have already submitted a diverse array of entries.

“This rap embodies the elements of creativity and dynamism that have made the Democracy For All Video Challenge exciting to be a part of,” said Jeff Haggin, president of Say No to Big Money. “It’s vital for talented artists and musicians to engage in pushing for reasonable campaign finance regulations – and we’re thrilled Mr. Bradford is part of our fight.”

“We use our music as a weapon in the fight to make this country a better place for everyone,” added contest winner Maurice Bradford of his band, D.O.P, Inc. “No matter what your issue is, it will never be cured as long as we have billionaires and corporations buying up our political system.”

Click here to see more about the contest and additional entries: http://democracyforall.com/

The Democracy For All Amendment is a proposal being considered by Congress, currently with 138 cosponsors in the House and 41 supporters in the Senate, that would overturn decisions like Citizens United, the 2010 Supreme Court case that paved the way for unlimited political spending by corporations and the super wealthy.

Say No to Big Money, the official sponsor of the contest, and People For the American Way are partnering with Act.TV, Agenda Project, American Family Voices, Coalition to Restore Democracy, Coffee Party USA, Courage Campaign, Common Cause, Free Speech For People, National Priorities Project, PF Pictures, People’s Email Network, Public Citizen, and US PIRG in this effort, with the support of more than 140 other organizations.

Full contest details and rules are available at www.DemocracyForAll.com. PFAW Executive Vice President Marge Baker and Say No to Big Money President Jeff Haggin are available to speak with press. To arrange an interview, please contact Alec Saslow at [email protected] or 720-319-4948.

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